Source: Manchester_EveningNews
United ready to splash out £3.5m on Lindegaard
Manchester United are on the verge of landing the new Peter Schmeichel, with Anders Lindegaard set to sign in a £3.5m deal. As revealed by MEN Sport in July, Sir Alex Ferguson has identified the Danish goalkeeper as the man to succeed Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford. But sources in Spain claim the United manager will still follow through with a £15m move for Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea at the end of the season. Lindegaard is expected to travel to Manchester to discuss personal terms before completing a move in January when the Norwegian season ends. Officials from Lindegaard's club, Aalesund FK have confirmed they are in Manchester and hope to conclude a deal soon. "(Sporting director) Henrik (Hoff) and I are in place in Manchester," said Aalesund chairman Bjarne Haagensen. "It is close. We are in the middle of it." Lindegaard has been watched extensively by United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, and United are expected to pay £2m up front and a further £1.5m when he makes 17 first team appearances. But Ferguson is still understood to be keen on De Gea, who he made a personal check on last month. Atletico insisted on Thursday that no deal has been made for the Spanish keeper, who would cost around £15m at the end of the season. By that time, Lindegaard will have had time to ease into life at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old is one of several options monitored by Ferguson as part of his extensive search for the man to fill Van der Sar's shoes. The Dutchman, who turned 40 last month, is out of contract at the end of the season and is not expected to extend his deal by a further 12 months. That has left Ferguson in need of finding a top class replacement. He has considered moves for some of Europe's finest keepers, including Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer and Hugo Lloris. Lindegaard was a surprise candidate when Ferguson's interest emerged in the summer, leading to predictable comparisons with Schmeichel. But the Great Dane, who spent eight years at United from 1991 to the Treble-winning campaign of 99, believes Ferguson should move for Liverpool's Pepe Reina. Are you happy with United's keeper moves? Have your say. [LNB]
